Dispatch From the Ranch: Plein Air Painting: Capturing Nature's Wonders Through Deep Observation

shape of the day p.g.r.d. (2018) by Leslie Baum

Hello Friends,

Have you ever painted en plein air? French for “painting outdoors,” plein air painting is unique in that it takes the artist out of their studio and immerses them within nature during their process of composition. It’s an inspiring and rejuvenating practice, and one we love here at Red Clover.

I recently chatted with Leslie Baum, accomplished visual artist and the retreat leader of Elemental: The Art of Noticing Watercolor Retreat, about this practice. Leslie is a Chicago-based professional artist and educator whose work is in deep conversation with observation, color, movement, and texture. Her paintings are a continual love song to the beauty of life, and I’ve been so moved by the works her and her students compose here. Here’s Leslie’s take on painting Red Clover’s landscape from our conversation:

“I think what’s special about Red Clover is it has its own micro-climate, made by the truly unique shape of the ridges and valleys, the creek that that runs through, the trees that grow and fall and fertilize the forests and all of the plants and animals that are part of the eco-system. The mood of the mist in the valley is a little more dramatic; how the sunset colors bouncing off the ridges adds more saturation . . . There is so much pleasure in the opportunity to spend time paying attention, noticing all the magic and mystery around us. It is an embodied reminder of the goodness of just being. Tuning into where you are and what’s happening within you through sensory response and presence of observation.”

Guest exploring abstract to detailed at last year’s Art of Noticing retreat.

Leslie’s eloquent interpretation of the landscape puts me in mind of my decision to purchase the land that would become Red Clover back in 2009. After a 5 year “quest” for a place in the country, and after experiencing a series of personal losses, when I walked the valley, forest, and ridge-top, I was struck by the land’s indelible beauty. I jumped at the opportunity, though I had no idea what I was “doing,” and a lot of doubt in my decision. But life reveals itself over time. Now, I understand the “why,” and as the steward of this nature, with its forests, valleys, and all the wildlife we have living here, I know that I am within something very precious. And I know that slowing down and making space allows for a deeper experience of life. 

Leslie continues . . .

“When you observe and paint you get into a flow state of mind. You lose a sense of time and are in deep immersion and focus. I encourage my students to disconnect from judgement of performance, and shift focus to the observation and making. We live in a society and culture that prioritizes output and product. One of the purposes of this retreat is to reinvigorate our individual connection to process and the fruits of open exploration without distraction.”

To hear more of Leslie’s inspiring thoughts about creativity and the art of making listen to her episode of Dispatches From The Ranch.

Also, there are a few spots left for Leslie’s July 31-Aug 3 and Aug 7-10th retreat. All skill levels welcome and encouraged. Join us! Payment plans available and dietary restrictions accommodated. Questions? Reach out!

There are many opportunities to visit Red Clover this summer. Please visit our events page to find out more. Thank you for supporting Red Clover, and the flora, fauna, and animals. We look forward to welcoming you.Annie Coleman

Annie Coleman

Head Wrangler